Here is a record shot of the bird.

The Red ring has the code “PLE3”

Unfortunately the email for the Polish contact is bouncing back,

I dont suppose anyone has recorded this bird in the area previously have they?

Lol M

In amongst the Turnstones. The first I have seen here in 20 years.

Managed to get over to the Point for an hour this morning – no sign of the Firecrest from yesterday but lots of finches, mainly Linnets and Goldfinch, with a few Redpoll and Siskin heard overhead but not seen. Several Skylark and Meadow pipit, 4 Reed Bunting and three Stonechat.

Three unusual records were a Little Egret overhead, a Kingfisher flying over the field !? and my first Yellowhammer here for about 10 years – is this a description species for this area?

Here are the flight shots Andy asked me to take – looks interesting 🙂

Red Kite went through about 12:30 with a Peregrine close behind – even though they were in the binoculars at the same time I don’t think they were actually interacting 🙂 – on the negative side – I also had fairly close views of what I think was a MINK. Never seen one before but was very dark (if not black) swimming in water close to bank and looked to be about 18 inches long (including tail).

Very quiet morning – very few hirundines, chiff-chaff and even willow warblers.

Good few warblers singing in the reeds with their heads down.

Only highlight was this Garden Warbler

http://andyburnsphotography.zenfolio.com/passerines/h316eef58#h28d9e979

 

No Common Sandpipers today

Cettis, Reed and Sedge warblers all singing and showing well

One male wheatear towards the dragonfly pond on top paddock

plenty of Swallows, Sand and House Martins on East lake.

Three Mistle thrush –

plenty of Blackcaps, chiff chaffs and willow warblers

An interesting collection this morning.

Bonaparte’s gull – just the one

Little gull 1 adult and 2 first winter (one with a missing primary)

Med Gull 1 2nd W and 1 1st W

Since there are two Bonaparte’s sightings from this location it would be nice to see what differences there are.

I have seen the bird on two occasions (26th and 31st) attached are the (rather distant) records shots I took.

First two photos from 26th other from today.

I am pretty sure it was the same bird on both occasions.

Bonapartes gull sitting on the water between the Barrage and the sails.

not showing much of a hood ?

also Wheatear on the path and green area just beyond the sails.

 

good numbers of Sand Martins going through – 100+

BT Diver still showing well.

Bitterly cold wind coming off the East lake.

BT Diver still present.

Several chiff-chaffs singing and BT Diver still showing well.

My first spring migrant went through just after mid-day – Andy was on hand to record this early Sand Martin – photos at ..

http://andyburnsphotography.zenfolio.com/sandm2014/h2dfbc31#h2dfbc31

 

bt diver still showing well.

boats and bikes and lots of prams – perfect for driving all the gulls and ducks into the West lake.

Adult Med gull and a small immature GBB, probably.